National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Daniel Ayantoye (Ibadan)
The Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has called on the authorities of the University of Ibadan (UI) to reinstate the Students Union of the institution.
The Association in a press statement signed by its Chairman Asubiojo Olujuwon and made available to Campus Focus today (Friday) also urge the authority to reinstate student leaders that were rusticated to enable them register for the 2018/2019 academic session.
According to the statement the suspension is long overdue and as such should be lifted to ensure students get the benefits of true representation which is a fundamental right.
“It is no longer news that things are not rosy with Nigeria’s premier University, especially as it relates to student rights, fair representation and welfare. The University of Ibadan has since May 30, 2017 outlawed all Students’ Union activities and subsequently rusticated student leaders for participating in a peaceful protest on democracy day that year.
“the details of these issues have been carefully analyzed by major stakeholders from within and outside the University, all coming to one conclusion – that the actions of the University portray great intolerance for dissent, or any form of Confrontation.
“This is unacceptable and goes against every standard of fundamental human rights, morality and intellectual freedom. It is expected that a tertiary institution, especially one of the great repute like the University of Ibadan will hold these values in high esteem and would not be found compromising globally accepted standards of intellectual freedom and fundamental rights.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students is the umbrella body of all Students in the State and as such, it is our responsibility not only to condemn such acts, but intervene where necessary to restore quality Student Representation to all Institutions within the State and to seek relief for victimized student leaders.
“We however demand unconditional restoration of an independent students’ union in the university of Ibadan, to effect immediately the 2018/2019 academic session which resumed June 15, 2019, unconditional reinstatement of Ojo Aderemi and other rusticated student leaders to enable them register for the 2018/2019 academic session, a stay on the implementation of all anti-student policies made without proper consultation with student leaders(N 6,500 technology fee and others), until a students’ union is restored, a commitment from the university authorities to ensure effective student leadership and representation in the university and a commitment from the university authorities to improve the welfare conditions of students on campus fundamental human rights, morality and intellectual freedom.”
